And the Finalists Are...

Meet three of the bands that will compete for our GO Music Awards top honor.

Hotbox

Photo courtesy Hotbox

Who are they?: Robby Scrivener, guitar; Rick Shortt, vocals/saxophone; Robert Smith, bass; Steve Graham, drums.
What do they play?: Blues-funk rock

Influenced by: Otis Redding, Sam Cook, Johnny Cash, Victor Wooten

With how much the band plays around town, it’s a surprise to hear they’ve only been together for a little over a year. In fact, the current Hotbox line-up has only been playing together since last August. However, Robby and Rick have been jamming since they were 14 years old.
With 211 shows in the Midwest last year, Rick says Hotbox tries to make the live performance something worth watching. “We try to be more than just four guys standing around playing music,” Ricks says. “Everyone’s seen that before.” The band goes out of its way to engage the audience and make sure everyone is having a good time.

 

Photo courtesy The Verbs

The Verbs

Who are they?: Josh Millard, rhythm guitar/vocals; Ben Moody, bass/vocals; Mike Moody, lead guitar/vocals; Justin Kingery, drums.
What do they play?: Folk rock

Influenced by: Neil Young, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones

All growing up together in Mansfield, Missouri, the members making up the band have maintained a steady influence. Justin and Mike were in a band together in high school that Justin describes as having a similar feel but a more modern rock structure.
Just a little more than a year ago, Justin and Mike teamed up with Mike’s brother Ben and longtime friend Josh. The current incarnation, The Verbs, takes it back to the roots and warm feel of the vinyl days. While Mike takes lead on most songs, the band passes the role of lead singer from song to song, while others take back-up.

Photo courtesy McGill

McGill

Who are they?: Jason Wilson, vocals/guitar; Aaron Waggoner, guitar; Brandon Reynolds, bass; Brian Matney, drums.
What do they play?: Rock and roll

Influenced by: Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, Ryan Adams

Originally called The Fall of Everett McGill, the lone returning finalist from last year’s GO Music Awards changed its name about six months ago due to ease of memory and significant member changes. Because Jason writes the songs, the feel and influence behind the music hasn’t changed. But it leans a little heavier now, and the musicianship is tighter overall.

Jason says this is the best the band has ever sounded. “I’m into everything, so my writing style is all over the place,” he says. “It’s nice to have a band I can throw any style, and they’ll turn it into something good.”

GO Music Awards at Rock’n Ribs
April 19
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World south parking lot
12:30 to 6 p.m.
$5 in advance, $7 day of
springfieldgo.com